Life in Christ: Union With Christ and Twofold Grace in Calvin's Theology

by Mark A. Garcia

In three wide-ranging case studies Garcia explores how union with Christ functions in Calvin's thought. Garcia explains the way Calvin understands the apostle Paul to connect good works to eternal life in the context of union with Christ. He then turns his attention to the relationship of Christology and pneumatology in sacramental union or communion with Christ. The third study investigates the role of Christ, the Spirit, and the Eucharist in Calvin's critique of Osiander's views on justifying union with Christ.

Genres: Theology

356 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Jared Mcnabb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent study of Calvin’s theology of Union with Christ, with particular reference to the relationship of good works and justification, Reformation Eucharistic debates, and Calvin’s debate with Osiander.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I spent a lot of time with this book. Like, a lot! For the majority of it, I felt like I was paddle boating in the middle of the ocean. I enjoyed it and learned quite a bit, but it was a chore! Garcia is at fault no more than a chef would be for a toothless toddler choking on a perfectly grilled steak. I just was not quite ready to dive into this work. "Life in Christ" will go back up on my shelf and come down after a few more years of study, and I look forward to taking a second, more leisurely trip through it then.

[Jeffrey]

My buddy Mark did a thorough job on the topic. He has raised some dust in our little part of the world, and I do not necessarily sign on to everything he says, but it is pretty solid.

[Paul Jeon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gaffin's review says it all. A model study on historical theology.